It seems that there is definite interest in a sequel to 2018’s biggest sleeper hit Bird Box, particularly from its director Susanne Bier. Releasing on Netflix and based on a 2014 novel of the same name, Bird Box saw Sandra Bullock’s Malorie Hayes try to survive in a world filled with creatures that cause those that look upon them to commit suicide. To do this, she must blindfold herself and her two children, whilst attempting to reach a safe community. Alongside Bullock, Bird Box also starred John Malkovich, Tom Hollander, Trevante Rhodes and Sarah Paulson.
Whilst the critical reception for the film was quite mixed with a 63% on Rotten Tomatoes, it absolutely exploded in popularity and left an indelible mark on meme culture. Netflix reported that in the film’s first seven days, more than 45 million people viewed it and went on to become the most-watched film on the platform within 28 days of release. This record wasn’t broken until 2021 by Red Notice. Bird Box’s most notable impact however was the ‘Bird Box Challenge’, an internet meme that saw many re-enacting the film by donning blindfolds and doing everyday tasks. Building on the original movie's popularity, a Bird Box 2 entered development at Netflix in 2020, but all's been relatively quiet on that front since.
Speaking to Variety at the premiere of her latest TV Show The First Lady, Bier is ready to make a follow-up film, but is not aware of a time-frame at the moment. When prompted when a sequel might be happening, Bier only answers “Good question, right?”
Following the initial talk of the sequel, there haven't been many updates shared, but Netflix seems keen to develop the property further. In March 2021, it was said a Spanish-language Bird Box spinoff was in development, depicting the post-apocalyptic lifestyle in another part of the world. Since then however, there has been no more news on this front. Bier’s enthusiasm is therefore exciting but not necessarily a reason to get ones hopes up, particularly as details are fairly thin on the ground.
If a Bird Box sequel does go ahead however, it would be interesting to see the direction that they take the story. Will they head in a similar direction to A Quiet Place and stick with the same family? It could work, especially as it would allow time to show Malorie’s developing relationship with her children, whom she coldly labelled ‘boy’ and ‘girl’ throughout most of the film. However, seeing as production hasn’t started a sequel would most likely be released over five years after the first film, so it will be interesting to see if viewers are still interested in more installments.
Source: Variety
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